Kehena Beach

Drive Highway 137 south-west from Pahoa/Highway 132 or east from Kalapana (about 3.3 miles from the Highway 130 junction) to a small roadside parking area near mile marker 19. Parking is free but limited and fills on Sundays; do not park illegally on the highway shoulder, which is cited. From the lot, a rough path through brush leads to a steep descent over lava rock, about 10 minutes; sturdy shoes are needed and it is not suitable for wheelchairs or small children. No public transport.

Visitors describe a striking black-sand setting with palms and a bohemian, mixed crowd of locals and travellers, and many single out the Sunday drum circle and the chance of seeing dolphins. Common warnings are the steep scramble down and rough surf with rip currents. Most reviewers find the crowd friendly, but local residents have complained about crowds of 200 or more, fireworks, fights and drug and alcohol use, which prompted police sweeps. Nudity is described as mixed rather than dominant, and enforcement means it is less relaxed than its reputation.

Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.

Public nudity is technically illegal in Hawaii and Kehena has no official clothing-optional status; nudity is tolerated in practice. State conservation officers (DOCARE) have run repeated enforcement operations: 123 citations in 2020, mostly for alcohol, drugs or public nudity, and more than 100 in a month-long 2021 sweep.

Naturism at Kehena Beach sits under United States's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.

Full country law: United States public nudity guide.

Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.